GWS Giants veteran Stephen Coniglio has shared a number of confronting photos from his hospital bed after enduring the 'most difficult six weeks' of his decorated footy career.
Coniglio, 30, is recovering after two separate surgeries - including one to his face - that left the midfielder with five fractures.
The 30-year-old suffered the shocking injury in a collision with teammate Aaron Cadman and Lions co-captain Harris Andrews during the AFL finals.
The vice-captain also suffered a concussion in the incident.
With the swelling in his face so severe, Coniglio had to wait over a week before undergoing surgery, while he needed specialist care to assess his left eye as well.
Incredibly, Coniglio also underwent a shoulder reconstruction.
Sharing a series of photos of his recovery on Instagram, Coniglio thanked his wife Rebecca and their one-year-old daughter Amira for being by his side.
'Maybe the most difficult & challenging six weeks I've had in my career, which would have been a lot harder without the support of my two angels being there every step of the way,' he posted.
GWS Giants veteran Stephen Coniglio is pictured with his daughter Amira after undergoing surgery on a serious facial injury
Coniglio also underwent a shoulder reconstruction and has labelled the past six weeks the 'most difficult' of his career
Coniglio thanked his wife Rebecca and their one-year-old daughter Amira (right) for their ongoing support
Coniglio is pictured going off the field after the hit that left him with five fractures in his face
'Recovering, reflecting and plotting how I'm going to come back stronger and better than ever. Always blessed. See you soon.'
Coniglio received comments of support from the likes of GWS teammates Lachie Whitfield, Toby Bedford and Josh Kelly.
Current Swans star Taylor Adams also sent his best wishes.
Coniglio - who made his AFL debut for the Giants in 2012 after he was second pick in the 2011 AFL national draft, aims to be running in December as he prepares for his 14th AFL season in 2025.
His return will be a cautious one - Adelaide Crows great Rory Sloane was forced to retire last year due to a series of eye injuries that saw him suffer a detached retina.
Meanwhile, Giants players are unlikely to forget their finals campaign in a hurry.
Adam Kingsley's men blew a 27-point lead in the qualifying final against Sydney - and then were run down by eventual premiers Brisbane Lions - despite being in front at one stage by 44 points.
Early 2025 premiership markets have GWS at $9 to win their maiden flag, behind Brisbane ($8) and Hawthorn ($8).
